5 Top Cretan Villages for Folk Culture Lovers

1. Anogeia Getting into Crete's highest Mount of Psiloritis, at the altitude of 800m, near Idean Cave (where Greek mythology dictates that Zeus spent his youth) and the wonderful Nida Plateau, we find an historical centre of the newest Cretan civilization rich in history, cultural heritage. The village and its residents are known for their revolutionary actionsin the Battle of Crete and the National Resistance and is surely a must visit place of serving features with ancient roots and great influence to Cretan folk music, customs and tradition.

2. Margarites In Crete, the tradition of pottery has its roots in the Minoan times but in Margarites village you will see how the the pots are hand thrown, just like the Minoans did thousands years ago. Apart from the typical traditional useful items, there are also young ceramists experimenting with new forms creating contemporary works of art worth to buy and bring home.

3. Loutro One of the most beautiful seaside villages has a strong aroma of Cyclades and where the clocks stands still, it can only be reached by boat, because there are no cars here. The village is build  around a safe harbour of southern Crete over the ruins of ancient Phoenix spa town, surrounded with gorges, mountains and lovely crystal clear waters.

4. Fodele Known as the birthplace of Dominikos Theotokopoulos, aka El Greco, the fertile village  hosts the Museum of this significant painter, almost opposite of the Byzantine church of Panagia, one of the oldest of Crete. Here you will also find extraordinary hand crafted objects and local products packed to bring home. Dont miss to walk the path next to the river that surrounds the village to admire a unique scenery of the central Crete.

5. Archanes

Just outside this beautiful village there is the Museum of Cretan History and Tradition, where objects that represent the Cretan history from the 9th century until today are exhibited .In Ano Archanes, 16 km south of Heraklion, the restored "Fabrica Eleni" awaits you to introduce you to the traditional way of producing olive oil, offering you a charming journey through time.